What was Marilyn Monroe's real name – and why was it changed?

dailystar.co.uk:

Monroe wasn't born with the name that she became famously known for. The complex history behind the 1950s Hollywood icon's name was explored in her Monroe's unfinished autobiography, My Story (1974), written with Ben Hecht.Newly released Netflix film Blonde starring Ana de Armas as Monroe has piqued the interest of many in the legendary actress, singer and model, who passed away in 1962 aged only 36. READ MORE :Marilyn Monroe's harrowing death - purple face, stuffed bra and short hairHere's a look at Marilyn Monroe's real name and why it was changed.Though she won hearts worldwide as Marilyn Monroe, the Hollywood star was actually named Norma Jeane Mortenson when she was born to Hollywood film cutter Gladys Pearl Baker.

Gladys married 24-year-old Jasper Newton Baker when she was only 15 years old and her husband was allegedly abusive. Despite this Gladys sometimes went by his last name Baker and her daughter is thought to also have been baptized as Norma Jeane Baker.

The name on her birthday certificate, Mortenson, did not belong to Monroe’s biological father, whose identity is unknown. It was from the last name of Martin Edward Mortenson, Gladys' legal husband, though the pair had separated by the time of Monroe's birth.

Monroe went by both Norma Jeane – which is often spelled as Norma Jean – alternating between the last names Baker and Mortenson for most of her early years.